Iran Offers Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz in 7 Days
Iran's Foreign Minister says the country has offered the US a deal to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington meets unspecified conditions outlined in a June agreement, with the US signaling it's in n
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says his country has proposed a deal to the US that would see the Strait of Hormuz reopened. "If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened and maritime routes restored to normal within seven days," Araghchi said. Speaking to media at UN headquarters in New York, he added that this is possible only if required conditions are fulfilled, referencing a memorandum of understanding signed in June. "The choice now rests with the United States," Araghchi said, noting the proposal was sent to Washington via Qatar's representatives.
When asked about Iran's proposal, a US government official said positive negotiations are ongoing through intermediaries, including on nuclear issues. This development follows US President Donald Trump's threat earlier this week to "destroy the Islamic Republic." The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, and Iran responded by attacking Israel, US military bases, and allied bases in the Arabian Gulf, then announced closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas—causing severe energy price volatility and adding pressure on Trump, particularly ahead of US midterm elections in November.
Araghchi did not specify what steps Iran wants the US to take, but stressed that what the US should do is not new as everything is already outlined in the memorandum of understanding. "I can say clearly that if the US is serious about reaching a deal and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, everything is ready now," he said.
Another US official revealed that "the US is in a very advantageous position from controlling the Strait of Hormuz, so we have no need to rush." The US-Iran memorandum of understanding, signed on June 18, aims to achieve a ceasefire and partial reopening of the strait. The agreement contains 14 main points specifying that Iran must have no nuclear weapons, while the US, Iran, and allies must end military operations on "all fronts," with provisions including ending the US naval blockade and easing sanctions.
